Research over Summer vs. at School?

[questions12345]

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So I'm having trouble deciding what I should do. I've heard that research isn't very important for residencies, but I've also heard that it's still a good thing to have. And since I don't mind doing research too much, I was thinking, might as well go ahead and do some. But I have a decision to make.

Should I:
1. Try getting a short research gig over the summer or
2. Try getting a research position at my school so I can continue it over the next few years?

In order for me to decide between these choices, I would like someone to answer these questions:
1. How important is research for residency directors? (I'm fairly certain I'm not interested in the top competitive ones like radiology, ortho, derm, etc.)
2. When applying for residencies, can you get recommendation letters from your PI or is it usually from your professors you have during 3rd and 4th years?
3. Does it matter that I do research in a field that I want to pursue for residency? For example, would it have more pull if I do research in Pediatrics if I want to go into Pediatrics?

Also, do residencies care abound volunteer trips overseas? I see a lot of people doing these here. I'm interested in doing it too, but they cost a lot and I'm not sure if it'll be worth going when you consider the money and time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[questions12345]

bump

 

[cpants]

So I'm having trouble deciding what I should do. I've heard that research isn't very important for residencies, but I've also heard that it's still a good thing to have. And since I don't mind doing research too much, I was thinking, might as well go ahead and do some. But I have a decision to make.

Should I:
1. Try getting a short research gig over the summer or
2. Try getting a research position at my school so I can continue it over the next few years?

In order for me to decide between these choices, I would like someone to answer these questions:
1. How important is research for residency directors? (I'm fairly certain I'm not interested in the top competitive ones like radiology, ortho, derm, etc.)
2. When applying for residencies, can you get recommendation letters from your PI or is it usually from your professors you have during 3rd and 4th years?
3. Does it matter that I do research in a field that I want to pursue for residency? For example, would it have more pull if I do research in Pediatrics if I want to go into Pediatrics?

Also, do residencies care abound volunteer trips overseas? I see a lot of people doing these here. I'm interested in doing it too, but they cost a lot and I'm not sure if it'll be worth going when you consider the money and time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

1. Research is important if you want to get into a competitive field or a competitive program in a non-competitive field. Also, if your stats are below average for the field you are applying to, research can make your application more attractive. If any of these scenarios apply to you, I would consider research.
2. It will depend on the residency what the letter requirements are. I'm pretty sure for any residency a letter from your PI would be acceptable as one of the letters submitted.
3. If you know what field you want to go into, you should do research in the field. If you don't know, then choose a field of interest to you. If you change your mind or aren't sure that's ok. Having research in a different field won't hurt you.

In reference to the abroad trip, generally programs will care very little about this. They know these trips are for the most part medical tourism for the students involved. In fact, they care very little about any of your extracurriculars, with the possible exception of high level leadership positions. Honestly, the fact that you went to Guatemala for 3 weeks or were a tour guide at the school has almost nothing to do with how good a resident you will be. On the bright side, at least these things give you something to talk about on interviews.

 

[Richardh]

in regards to the abroad experience, I agree with what the previous post has mentioned. schools and hospital institutions care less about these activities. the abroad experience mostly benefits you b/c sometimes you will get to have hands on experience. also you will have an opportunity to obtain a letter of recommendation from the doctors you have interacted with (but they may not be looked upon with much high regard compared to a letter of recommendation from a research professor and so forth).